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Whitehaven Beach in Australia is a beautiful island famous for having soft, picture-perfect white sand and beautiful blue waters. This is situated at Whitsunday Island within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is a popular icon and is known for its unspoiled nature. This island is easily accessible and offers an array of places to visit within the island itself. Whether you want to simply relax at the shores or engage in some adventurous activities, Whitehaven Beach is perfect for every traveller.
About Whitehaven Beach
Photo: Nikater / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Whitehaven Beach is a 7-kilometer-long beach of fine white sand situated on Whitsunday Island, which is the biggest of the 74 islands chain in Queensland, northeast of Australia. This beach is famous for its production of 98% pure silica and soft-to-touch sand. This high silica content is not common among the sands of other beaches and adds to the fact that the sands are white and do not absorb sunlight but reflect it. This beach does not heat up like other beaches. It is safe to walk on bare feet regardless of the sun’s shine.
Whitehaven Beach Location
Photo: Kgbo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Whitehaven Beach is found on Whitsunday Island which is one of the islands in the Whitsunday chain in Australia. The spot is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and it is therefore only accessible by water taxi, helicopter, or seaplane. This retention of isolation preserves the natural beauty of the island. Fortunately, Whitsunday Island where Whitehaven Beach is located is an uninhabited area of a national park.
How To Reach Whitehaven Beach
Photo: iSAW Company / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Planning a trip to Whitehaven Beach is essential since it can be reached only by sea or air. Here’s how you can make your way to this beautiful location:
By Air: Public transport airports include Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine Airport) and the Hamilton Island Airport. From these airports, you can take a ferry or book a seaplane and helicopter to reach the beach.
By Boat: Visiting Whitehaven mainly involves boat cruises from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island are perhaps the most common means. It ranges from full-day boat tours to rented boats for the day with the flexibility for visitors to make the trip from the \(week\) depending on their schedule.
By Seaplane Or Helicopter: If you want something spectacular, helicopter or fixed-wing flights from Airlie Beach, and Hamilton Island take you around the Whitehaven beach and other attractions such as the Heart Reef and the Great Barrier Reef. This option gives a great bird’s eye view of the spectacular sand formations at the beach and also provides the opportunity to land directly on the beach.
Places To Visit In And Around Whitehaven Beach
Here are five must-visit places in the vicinity that you can explore on your trip.
1. Hill Inlet
Photo: Jeremymcwhirter / Wikimedia Commons
Hill Inlet is situated in the northern part of Whitehaven. The tidal patterns are really famous and pure white sand combines with the turquoise waters. The lookout boasts panoramic views of the inlet and at low tide the view is breathtaking. The place is the best for photography. Trekking on the Hill Inlet Lookout trail is an ideal choice to make. There are overnight sailing trips which stop at this inlet.
Entry Fees: Free
2. Hamilton Island
Photo: ThingOnASpring / Wikimedia Commons
Hamilton Island is one of the chosen tourist islands from the Whitsunday group of islands. It provides a diverse level of luxurious services, restaurants, and other activities. Some activities that tourists can engage in when at Hamilton Island include beach snorkelling and scuba diving. This island has a commercial airport and offers direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Surprisingly, this island is a chosen spot for wedding events.
Timings: All year round
3. Heart Reef
Photo: Marlène BOUGARD / Wikimedia Commons
Heart Reef is a small coral outcrop whose natural structure resembles a giant heart, which gave it its name. This particular formation can only be seen during a helicopter or seaplane tour because it’s fifteen kilometres from Whitehaven Beach. It can only be observed from the air. Heart Reef is an ideal destination for couples, especially those who are looking forward to having a romantic escape. There are many lagoons at this place. Snorkelling is the best-performing activity at the Heart Reef.
Entry Fees: Free
4. Tongue Point Lookout
Photo: Rod Long / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tongue Point Lookout has a vantage point to view the circular patterned lagoon of Hill Inlet as well as the Whitehaven Beach. The lookout can be reached by a brief walk of one and a half kilometres. Once tourists reach the top, the view, especially at low tide, is attractive enough. There is a sign-posted path to reach the Tongue Point. This path takes visitors through the bushlands. Tongue Point is also ideal for snorkelling, spotting turtles and kayaking.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fees: Free
5. Daydream Island
Photo: S. Newrick / Wikimedia Commons
Daydream Island is another interesting place that attracts visitors for one-day tours. The island is near Whitehaven Beach. The island is home to many beaches ideal for snorkelling and kayaking. There are underwater observation towers at Daydream Island. Visitors can spot mermaid statues at Mermaids Beach on the island. This island is small and is one kilometre only. There are many resorts on this island for easy accommodation and a stay with direct views of the beach.
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
Photo: Nico Smit / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are many options to stay near the beach. Whitehaven Beach Resort offers a variety of scenic and aerial experiences. There are resorts and hotels on Hamilton Island and the mainland town of Airlie Beach. In Hamilton Island, tourists can have more attractive accommodations like Qualia which is an ultra-luxury resort offering a private pavilion and tremendous sea view.
Where To Eat
Photo: Jay Wennington / Unsplash / Image For Represenration Only
Nevertheless, there are no food facilities on Whitehaven Beach itself so the beach remains untouched by man-made activities. For meals, guests must visit Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach. Hamilton Island offers several restaurants; ranging from coffee shops to gourmet restaurants. Café Casa is a combination of modern Australian cuisine and Bommie Restaurant as well, but for casual dining, try the Marina Tavern. On the mainland Airlie Beach is dotted by such places to eat as Fish D’Vine, famous for seafood, and Cafe One 3 which offers breakfast and lunch options.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Rowan Heuvel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Whitehaven Beach is during the winter season; December to February and the dry season- May to September. These months also allow you to avoid the heat of the summer season so that conditions during this period are quite comfortable for travelling. During this time of the year, the water is clear making it suitable for snorkelling and other leisure activities.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Julia Taubitz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only.
Average Cost
The average price for the same-day Whitehaven Beach tour, including transportation and meals, lies somewhere between 150 and 500 AUD with regard to the chosen type of transport and fun activities. Additional expenses will be involved through scenic flights and organized private tours.
Tips For Travelers
Conventional sunscreen damages the reef hence it is advised to wear reef-safe sunscreen.
- Bring your water and some snacks because there is no store on the beach.
- Get your bookings earlier especially in high-demand times to be able to get a booking plus a good deal.
Whitehaven Beach is a true Australian treasure that presents some of the most stunning views of natural scenery on the planet. The beauty of Whitehaven Beach starts from the grained sand of Hill Inlet to the serenity of the beach which makes it one of the best places to visit. Regardless of the mode through which you get to the beach, all tourists will be instantly amazed, and have a new conscience towards this natural world and its preservation. Book with TripXL to make the most of your trip.
Cover Photo: DANIEL JULIE / Wikimedia Commons
